Unlocking Mi Account on Xiaomi Redmi 3S: official and alternative ways

The Xiaomi Redmi 3S is still a popular budget smartphone, but many users are facing the problem of a blocked Mi Account. This can happen after resetting, buying a used device or simply because of a forgotten password. Unlike modern models, the Redmi 3S has features in the lock mechanism that require separate consideration.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking – from official (through password recovery on the Xiaomi website) to alternative (using an engineering menu or third-party tools). Particular attention will be paid to the risks of data loss if you unblock correctly and the nuances of working with outdated MIUI firmware on Redmi 3S. If your phone requires login / password entry after a reboot or shows the message “This device is locked” – you will find working solutions here.

Why Redmi 3S is blocked through Mi Account and how it works

Mi Account on Xiaomi Redmi 3S has two key functions: anti-theft protection and data synchronization. Accounts are automatically linked to your device when you first log in to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account. Unlike the new models that use Mi Cloud Unlock, Redmi 3S (released in 2016) has a simplified lock scheme:

• 🔒 Hardware binding: The account is tied to IMEI It's not the firmware, it means that even after flashing, the lock will remain.
• 📱 Resetting: After Wipe Data in Recovery, the phone will require you to enter the account data that was tied to the last.
• ⏳ Delayed Unlocking: On Older Versions MIUI (Below 10) a 72-hour timer was in effect between password attempts.

The main problem with Redmi 3S is the lack of official support for unlocking through the Xiaomi Unlock Tool, which only works for models with an EDL bootloader.

⚠️ Note: If you have purchased a Redmi 3S With hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, official unlocking is possible only if there is a purchase check or proof of ownership. IMEI.

Official way: restore access through the Xiaomi website

The safest method is to use the password recovery function on the official website, which is suitable if:

• 📧 You have access to an email or phone number linked to your account.
• 🔄 Remember backup email (if the primary email is not available).
• 📱 The device is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Step-by-step:

1. Go to the recovery page: account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword.
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
3. Choose a Recovery Method: 📩 By email: a letter will be sent to the mail with a link to reset the password (valid 24 hours). 📱 Po Po Po SMS: The confirmation code will be sent to the number (relevant if the Chinese or international number is linked).

Create a new password and confirm the change.

Redmi 3S

If you don't remember the email you're attached to, try entering your options, and the system will tell you if there's an account with that address. For Chinese accounts (ends at @xiaomi.cn), the only way to recover is through a Chinese phone number.

Alternative methods of unlocking without access to email/SMS

If official recovery is not available, you can try to bypass the lock through an engineering menu or third-party tools, which require caution and can lead to data loss or firmware damage.

1. Unlocking through Recovery Mode (TWRP)

This method is suitable if the device has custom TWRP Recovery installed.

• 🔧 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 📁 File. disable_miui_anti.zip (can be found on the forums 4PDA or XDA-Developers).
• 🔌 USB-cable (original or quality).

Instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 3S and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and copy the file disable_miui_anti.zip inner-memory.
3. In TWRP, select Install → specify the copied file → swipe for confirmation.
4. Once installed, restart the device. The lock should disappear.

⚠️ Note: Installing unofficial firmware or modifications may result in blocking IMEI or problems with the mobile network. 3S firmware MIUI 8/9 This risk is minimal, but it is still present.

2 Use of the Mi Account Unlock Tool

There are specialized utilities for unlocking via PC, such as Mi Account Unlock Tool or Xiaomi Tool V2. These programs work through the EDL (Emergency Download Mode) protocol, but require:

• 🖥️ Windows 7/10 driver-signature-deactivated.
• 🔌 Qualcomm 9008-enabled cable (usually original).
• 📥 Firmware for Redmi 3S (version MIUI must be consistent with the established).

Algorithm of action:

1. Download and install Qualcomm Drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
2. Turn off the phone, press Volume up + Volume down + Power for 10 seconds to put into EDL mode.
3. Connect Redmi 3S to a PC – Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 should appear in the Device Manager.
4. Start the Mi Account Unlock Tool, select the Redmi 3S (land) model, and follow the program instructions.

The success of this method depends on the firmware version. On the MIUI 7-8, the odds are higher than on the MIUI 9+, where Xiaomi tightened its protection.

Download Qualcomm Drivers|Install the Mi Flash Tool|Prepare original USB-cable|Backup data (if possible)|Disable antivirus on PC-->

Unlocking through the engineering menu (#3646633##)

On Redmi 3S with MIUI 7-8 firmware, you can try to bypass the lock through an engineering menu, which does not guarantee 100% results, but sometimes helps to reset the account.

Instructions:

1. On the locked screen, type the code ##3646633## (or #4636###).
2. Go to the Connectivity section → CDMA.
3. Find the MDN and enter any 10-digit number (e.g. 1234567890).
4. Save the changes and restart the device.

If you still have the lock after the reboot, try repeating the procedure, but in the Telephony → BandMode section, select GSM Only and save the settings again. This trick works about 30% of the time on older versions of MIUI.

What to do if nothing helps: appeal to Xiaomi

If all of these methods fail, the official path is to appeal to Xiaomi, which is true in cases where:

• 📄 You have a check or warranty card on the device.
• 📱 The phone is bought new, but the account is tied by the previous owner (for example, when buying in the communication salon).
• 🔧 You are ready to provide a photo of the box with IMEI serial number.

Step-by-step:

1. Take a picture of the Redmi 3S box (IMEI must match what's in the phone).
2. Write in support of Xiaomi through: 🌐 Official website: mi.com/support. 📧 Email: support@xiaomi.com (for international users). 💬 Chats in Telegram or Facebook (support groups Xiaomi Russia).

Attach a photo of the box, check and screenshot of the locked screen.

Wait for the answer (usually 3-7 days), and if you decide yes, you will be sent an unblocking instruction.

In rare cases, Xiaomi may request video of a device demonstration or additional documents. If the phone is bought by hand, the chances of unlocking are minimal - the company adheres to a strict policy of protecting user data.

💡

If Xiaomi support refuses to unlock, try writing again through another channel (e.g., first through the site, then through Facebook).

Unlocking Methods Comparison: Which One to Choose

To choose the best way, evaluate your capabilities in the table below:

For most users, the best way to do this is to try recovery via email/SMS, then the engineering menu, and only if nothing helps, go to TWRP or EDL.

💡

If Redmi 3S is locked after resetting, never enter random passwords repeatedly – this can result in a complete lock of the device (requires firmware via Fastboot).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you unlock Mi Account on Redmi 3S, users often make critical errors that complicate the process.

• 🔌 Use of non-original cable: Cheap USB-cables may not transmit data in mode Fastboot/EDL. Always use the original Xiaomi cable.
• 🔄 Repeatedly entering the wrong password: After 5 failed attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours. MIUI 7 This timer was reset by rebooting, but on newer versions it is not.
• 📥 Download firmware from numbered sites: Files from torrents or file sharing sites may contain viruses or be corrupted.
• 🔧 No backup before firmware: Even if you unlock the Mi Account, all data on the device will be erased. Always backup through TWRP or Mi Cloud (if available).

Another common problem is the incompatibility of firmware versions, for example, if you flash MIUI 10 over a MIUI 8 without a Wipe, the device may get stuck in the Xiaomi logo, in which case only a full reset via Fastboot with the command will help:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot flash system system.img

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions